Portret van Frans David Cochius 1848 - 1887

This is Antoine Maurin's portrait of Frans David Cochius, made through lithography. Lithography, a printing technique using a stone or metal plate with a smooth surface, allowed Maurin to create this detailed image. The process involves drawing with a greasy crayon, treating the stone so ink sticks only to the drawing, and then printing. Notice how the texture of the stone itself contributes to the print's overall feel, lending a subtle graininess to the surface. Consider the social context of this work. Lithography emerged as a relatively affordable method for reproducing images. While painting a portrait was expensive and exclusive, prints could circulate more widely, democratizing access to imagery. The choice of lithography reflects a shift in the art world towards broader audiences and new modes of production. It’s not just about who is portrayed, but how the portrait was made that speaks volumes.